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Discovering Koh Kut: Why it could be Thailand’s best-kept secret!

| Last Updated: August 2024

Itching to go on an underrated island paradise for your next vacation? Well, Koh Kut may just be what you need! 

When our team visited Koh Kut, we knew why this tiny remote island could be Thailand’s best-kept secret yet!

Aside from its seriously fantastic beaches, going here also lets you experience authentic Thai seafood and island life away from huge tourist crowds (a great plus, right?)

We couldn’t get enough of Koh Kut so it’s definitely something we’d love to share with you!  Here’s all the insider info you need to make Koh Kut your best island destination yet. Read on!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Koh Kut, Trat, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Trat Airport (88 km)

Best Time to Visit Koh Kut

The best time to visit Koh Kut is between November and February for the optimal weather conditions and gentler sea travel. During this time, you’ll experience little to no rainfall so you can make the most out of the island’s beaches and hiking trails.

The favorable weather and temperature also mean you can enjoy exploring the island from morning to night. Plus, you certainly don’t want to come here during the low season since boat travel is limited due to unpredictable sea conditions.

How to Get to Koh Kut

Ferry: Koh Kut is an island off the coast of Trat Province so you can only get there by riding a ferry at the Laem Sok Pier. That means you must get to this pier first if you’re traveling from Bangkok.

Thankfully, there are buses at the Ekkamai Bus Terminal and Mochit Bus Terminal that can take you directly to this pier. Otherwise, you can book a taxi if you don’t mind the heftier fare.

Where to Stay in Koh Kut

Shantaa Resort Koh Kood

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Address: 20/3 Moo 2

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 81 817 9648

Website: http://www.shantaakohkood.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

Shantaa Resort Koh Kood is a vast tropical hideaway overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. They offer stylish suites and villas with essential amenities (minus TVs, sadly).

Plus, they have a scenic gulf-view restaurant, casual beach bar, cutesy cafe, and watersports center. Their private beach access is also great if you like to avoid the throngs of beachgoers.

It’s a 3-minute walk from Koh Kut’s Nam Leuk Pier, so it’s perfect if you’re planning boat trips to the island’s popular snorkeling and diving spots.

Koh Kood Resort

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Address: Bang Bao Bay, Ban Mai Si

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 81 829 7751

Website: https://www.kohkoodresort.in.th/

Pricing: ฿฿

Koh Kood Resort is a nature-filled retreat offering direct access to the popular Bang Bao Beach. This place is tucked away amid a lush botanical garden, perfect if you’re a fan of relaxing and peaceful jungle settings.

Their thatched-roofed bungalows with charming rustic interiors also add to the tropical jungle vibes. Standard bungalows have ceiling fans, mosquito nets, and verandas, but there’s an upgrade option for added air conditioning and bay views.

Extra amenities you can enjoy include a restaurant, beach bar, games room, watersports facility, and communal lounge. 

Soneva Kiri Resort & Residences

Address: 110 Moo 4

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 82 208 8888

Website: https://www.soneva.com/soneva-kiri

Pricing: ฿฿฿

Soneva Kiri Resort & Residences is the swankiest hotel in Koh Kut, and it’s definitely worth the price if you’re seeking the ultimate luxury and relaxation. Their chic and decked-out villas are surrounded by tropical gardens for utmost privacy.

These villas are also tucked away in a beachside, jungle, or clifftop setting so you can select your preferred view and atmosphere. Plus, their vast interiors allow you to have up to six bedrooms, perfect if you’re with a group.

You can also access their top-tier amenities, from a full-service spa, tree house, game room, outdoor cinema, and more. They also offer cultural tours and rent electric buggies in case you like to explore the property.

Where to Eat in Koh Kut

The Fisherman Hut Koh Kood

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Address: 47 Moo 1 Soi Kaset

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 92 494 3600

Website: https://www.facebook.com/thefishermanhutkohkood/

Pricing: ฿฿

The Fisherman Hut Koh Kood is a solid bet if you like full-on food variety. Their menu is massive, so expect classic Thai dishes, Western-style food, and a wide array of seafood options.

In fact, one of their bestsellers is their selection of large grilled fish. Think barracuda, queen fish, African pompano, seabass, etc.!

Try their grilled seafood platter. It’s a large serving of grilled scallops, prawns, and squids—perfect with beer.

Noochy Seafood

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Address: 5/1 Moo 3, Ban Ao Yai

Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 86 113 3379

Website: https://www.facebook.com/NoochySeafood

Pricing: ฿฿

Noochy Seafood is a popular seafood restaurant in Koh Kut’s Ao Yai Fisherman Village. This place excels at classic Thai seafood dishes, from grilled squid to steamed crab, spicy seafood salad, stir-fried squid, grilled scallops, shrimp fried rice, etc.

Our favorite is their grilled scallops because they tasted fresh and the portion was large. They also serve fresh sea urchins with soy sauce, wasabi, and spicy nam chim sauce.

But if you’re with someone who doesn’t particularly like seafood, they also have a variety of non-seafood dishes. Think veggie spring rolls, Thai chicken basil, chicken green curry, deep-fried chicken, and more.

Bang Bao Home Food & Drink

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Address: 43 Moo 5, Ban Bang Bao

Operating Hours: 12 p.m. –  9 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 86 152 7242

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069165279372

Pricing: ฿

If you’re searching for authentic and affordable Thai seafood, Bang Bao Home Food & Drink is the clear-cut choice. This place focuses on classic Thai dishes, including numerous stir-fried dishes that cost less than 100 baht.

Their fun jungle-themed interior screams tropical and it’s great for casual dining and drinking. Our go-to here is their large seafood platters that are perfect for sharing, especially when drinking beer.

This includes deep-fried mantis shrimp, deep-fried mackerel, baked shrimp, grilled squid, and steamed soft-shell crab. Don’t forget to have their mango sticky rice for dessert.

What to See and Do in Koh Kut

Explore the Koh Kut on a rental scooter

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Koh Kut doesn’t have reliable public transportation, so renting a scooter is necessary to get around efficiently. But this is also the best way to explore the island and check out its popular attractions.

Scooters are also easy to park which is great if you plan to visit the island’s fishing villages. In fact, we recommend going to Ao Yai Village and Klong Mard Village because they’re the best places to learn about the local lifestyle and try fresh seafood.

You can rent a scooter at the hotels and resorts scattered all over the island.

Spend the day at Ao Phrao Beach

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Address: Moo 5, Ban Ao Phrao

Operating Hours: 24/7

Ao Phrao Beach is arguably the most popular seaside destination in Koh Kut, and it’s definitely a must-visit if you like stunning sceneries and tranquil vibes. It’s also one of the island’s more pristine beaches, so expect fine white sands and crystal-clear waters.  

But that’s not all because this place also doesn’t attract huge crowds so it’s great if you like to enjoy various beach activities in peace. It also has a long wooden pier, perfect for taking nice beach photos or jumping off while swimming.

Also, this beach is approximately 1 kilometer so it’s ideal for long beach walks. It also covers plenty of resorts, restaurants, and bars so you’re covered for food, drinks, and accommodation.

Hike to Khlong Chao Waterfall

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Address: Koh Kut

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Khlong Chao Waterfall is a well-known cascade and hiking destination in Koh Kut. The waterfall’s trailhead takes you through a lush jungle with muddy and rocky footpaths, small and gentle streams, diverse local floras, and some Buddhist shrines.

After completing the trail, you’ll be greeted by a stunning 3-tier cascade flowing down a 10-meter rocky cliff. It creates a large and cool turquoise pool which is suitable for swimming.

You’ll also find ropes attached to the nearby large trees allowing you to swing down into the water. Oh, and the waterfall’s stream attracts countless butterflies, so expect to see them fluttering about.

Set a diving trip with Koh Kood Divers

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Address: Moo 2

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 85 698 4122

Website: http://kohkooddivers.com/

A trip to Koh Kut won’t be complete unless you experience its popular diving sites. The best way to do this is to book a 3-day PADI diving course with Koh Kood Divers.

Their course will teach you everything you need to know to explore the island’s dive sites safely and efficiently. Once ready, you can admire Koh Kut’s rich underwater ecosystems and meet numerous marine animals.

Their diving course is designed for all ages and skill levels so it’s the perfect family activity. They also offer snorkeling trips that could be a great adventure for kids and anyone who doesn’t want the risk of getting too deep in the water. 

Check out Koh Kut’s Giant Maca Tree

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Address: Koh Kut

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

The giant maca tree in Koh Kut is one of the island’s most prized tourist attractions. Its size aside, this tree is important to the island’s locals because it’s approximately 500 years old.

In fact, they tied ropes and clothes around the tree’s base because it’s believed to be sacred. This Buddhist ritual is said to bring prosperity and good luck while also paying their respects to the tree’s deity or spirit.

You can easily find this tree by following the Makayuk Trailhead. There’s also a giant chai tree along this trail which we think is definitely worth checking out.

Admire Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall’s beautiful cascade

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Address: Koh Kut

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall is on the smaller side, but it’s certainly one of Koh Kut’s best-looking cascades. This 2-tier cascade has a decent-sized pool so you can swim there as well.

However, this waterfall can be difficult to track, so we suggest bringing a local guide with you. After all, it’s hidden past another lush jungle trail beyond the giant maca tree.

We like that there’s a restaurant near the waterfall, so you’re covered for food and drinks. They also have a charming flower and vegetable garden that you can explore. 

Rent a kayak or paddle board in Bang Bao Beach

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Address: Ban Bang Bao

Operating Hours: 24/7

Bang Bao Beach is the best place for water activities in Koh Kut. Here, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards at the nearby beach resorts to explore the crystalline waters of its pristine bay.

Its shore also has lines of palm trees where you can ride tree swings or set up hammocks for a relaxing afternoon nap. There’s also a bar where you can indulge in refreshing drinks while enjoying this beach’s stunning sunset view.

It’s also a great vintage point if you want to enjoy the sunset with someone. It’s also the reason why many couples spend their time at Bang Bao Beach. 

Enjoy the sunset at the Secret Sunset Beach

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Address: Moo 4

Operating Hours: 24/7

Secret Sunset Beach is a hidden bay in Koh Kut known for its superb sunset views. There’s a resort operating here so not many tourists come here, perfect if you want to avoid crowds.

Don’t worry, all beaches in Thailand are open to the public, so you can come here even if you’re not booked at the resort. Just be sure not to use their beach facilities unless you’re okay paying for them.

What we like most about this beach is the snorkeling tour offered here. This will take you to the nearby Koh Raet, featuring vast coral reefs with artificial formations shaped like elephants, rhinos, and more.

FAQs about Koh Kut

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